Big Five Safaris
These safaris focus on Africas 'Big Five'; lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and cape buffalo. Contrary to popular belief, this designation arose from what hunters considered the most dangerous of Africa's fauna to pursue on foot. Each have earned their reputation through centuries of human occupation. Whether it be their awe-inspiring characteristics, thought provoking behaviour or their fascinating historical profiles, the big five never fail to awe safari goers time and again.
A few of our favourite Big Five Safaris...
The Serengeti
'The endless plains'
Few places in the world hold equal ecological significance as the Serengeti ecosystem. This vast, 30 000 square kilometer arena encompasses one of the largest migratory patterns in nature. Along with the Masai Mara (Kenya), it is considered one of the largest protected areas on earth. ‘Serengeti’ is a word derived from the Maasai language which translates as the ‘endless plain’. It is nay impossible to comprehend the scale of such an open expanse until one sets foot onto the Serengeti itself. It is an enchanting place and tantamount to hallowed ground for generations of film-makers, writers and travellers the world over. The multitude of game, migratory birds, breathtaking scenery and the incredible history complement the authenticity and friendliness of the local people. Visitors can walk with a Masai tribesman, explore in a traditional safari vehicle or take to the air in a hot air balloon.
Ngorongoro crater
The most beautiful and wildlife-rich crater on earth
A caldera formed from a collapsed volcano that erupted some 2.5 million years ago, the Ngorongoro crater is a geological marvel. Upon cresting the rim of the crater, one can feel the energy of a place so ancient that it is as unchanged now as it was before antiquity. It is an alluring landscape bursting with life that rivals any on planet earth. You will find yourself searching for elephant bulls as ancient as the rocks above them or for black rhinoceros browsing in fields of marigold and wild sage or watching prides of lion and clans of hyena enact a timeless drama as they compete heavily for resources. The Ngorongoro crater is a place where one will find dark ominous clouds creeping over a mysterious crater rim, fraternising with a lush and colourful crater floor teeming with hundreds of stories just waiting to be heard.
Sabi sands
Where leopard and luxury meet
It is no secret that within the Sabi Sands of South Africa, southwest of Kruger National Park, exists some of Africa’s finest ‘big-five’ wilderness. Lion, leopard and cheetah are often a daily sight, as well as the bigger herbivores such as rhino, elephant and buffalo. It is argued that the densest leopard population on earth is found here, and when your experienced guide leads you from one sighting to another, it is easy to see why. This extraordinary game viewing experience is offered by several acclaimed lodges such as Singita, Londolozi and MalaMala all of whom have stamped their names in the history books. It goes without saying that the celebrated game viewing goes hand in hand with unparalleled hospitality and cuisine.
The Masai Mara
Quintessential east Africa
The Mara. What can be said that would do such a place justice. It is simply beautiful beyond measure. Visitors the world over return to the Masai Mara year after year to claim a front seat to an annual migration of approximately 1.5 million wildebeest. They blanket the plains as far as the eye can see in preparation for their journey toward green grass. The crossing of Mara river in particular is widely considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth. In the months of March, April and November dramatic skies and thunderstorms build up to unleash nasha, the much needed and blessed rains that fall biannually. The Mara is stunning in any season but few sights rival the clouds condensing, dark and heavy across its vibrant plains. Combining this wilderness spectacle with a cultural introduction to the Maasai people as well as staying in the famed camps of Kenya, makes the Mara experience well worth any amount of travel.
Madikwe
A wildlife success story
Hidden in the northwest province of South Africa is a conservation accomplishment that showcases how nature can take back what was taken from it, if given the opportunity. In 1991 an area of dilapidated farmland was declared a reserve. The reintroduction of wildlife into the 690 square kilometre was a gargantuan project that has since born significant fruit. This unique, red rocked landscape now supports a variety of big game species such as lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs. Smaller creatures such as aardvarks, bat eared foxes, brown hyena and aardwolf frequent this interesting habitat. Madikwe is known to be one of the best value for money big-five safaris in southern Africa.
Lewa
See rhino like never before
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy if famed for its groundbreaking approach to conservation. Home to 17% of Kenya’s rhino population the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has reported no rhino poaching incidents in six years! Set amongst Laikpia’s beautiful golden and purple hills, Lewa’s landscapes vary from savannah grassland, adored by cheetah and white rhino, to dense woodland, perfect leopard and baboon territory, thick rocky terrain where black rhinos abound and a lush marsh popular with the resident prides of lion. Home to all of the ‘Northern Five’, endemic wildlife endemic to Northern Kenya, parts of Somalia and Ethiopia, Lewa is a premier wildlife destination that always delivers. Keep your eyes open at night for lions roaring and leopards rasping. And if you visit Lewa’s headquarters, you might just bump into Elvis the rhino, who loves to pop his head in their offices!
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